Question for MMA Experts

**Darth Paul** · Posted On: 6/23/2002 6:07pm

I hold a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Budoshin Ju-Jitsu, that's Japanese Ju-Jitsu which means that there isn't much groundwork. I've been looking to find some MMA training, to get back into shape. I am also recovering from surgery on my left ankle. Now that I have some stregnth back in my foot I want to begin studying MA again (I haven't really for almost a year).

My question for youse guys in the know is would you reccomend I find a school that teaches a MMA method or do I study arts like BJJ and Muay Thai seperately and then combine them? A friend told me about a guy who teaches MT and BJJ together, but I'm wondering if that's a good idea or not. Any advice would be appreciated.

**Phrost** · Posted On: 6/23/2002 6:08pm

I guess I can take this one.

It really depends on how you learn, and how you train.

If you operate on the Bruce Lee model, where you absorb everything that's useful and discard the rest, take them independently. Not everyone is like this though. There are many people who either don't have the time or dedication to focus their attention on making parts of an art their own, so they benefit from pre-blended training that's packaged as a single art... Shootfighting for example.

From what I know about you, you should be fine taking BJJ and Muay Thai seperately. This also allows you the benefit of training under people that are specialized in their art.

From JJJ, you should definitely go with BJJ. There are many moves that are similar, just applied from the ground. Your background will give you a big edge. BJJ is just Judo (which is nonviolent JJJ) that added some of the more violent JJ moves back into the art and focuses on groundfighting under the premise that most fights go to the ground.

I have a question for you, in turn.

What's your take on traditional JJ? I really dig the throws, small joint locks, and more vicious aspects of the art. If you were trying to sell me on it, what would be your pitch?

**Matt Phillips** · Posted On: 5/22/2011 12:37pm

OZZ needs a lesson in Necromancy. :P

Edit: yes that is the oldest, stinkiest thread in the box.

**Colin** · Posted On: 5/22/2011 12:41pm

Oh cmon matt, does it even count as a necro with only 2 posts in the thread?

**Snake Plissken** · Posted On: 5/22/2011 12:43pm

Such and earnest and sincere response from a young Phrost!

**Matt Phillips** · Posted On: 5/22/2011 12:46pm

Originally Posted by Colin

Oh cmon matt, does it even count as a necro with only 2 posts in the thread?

Good sir, I chuckle at your self-refutation mastery.

**Colin** · Posted On: 5/22/2011 1:10pm

Originally Posted by Matt Phillips

Good sir, I chuckle at your self-refutation mastery.

The moment you decided to necro it, there were two posts. It was your decision-making process I was drawing attention to, ergo the appropriate number of posts was the number that existed at that time.

self-refuting indeed..